The Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC) Sunday announced it has joined the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change’s (UNFCCC’s) Sports for Climate Action initiative as it reinforces its commitment to reducing its environmental impact, Gulf-Times reports.
By becoming a signatory to the Sports for Climate Action Framework, the QOC has promised to play an active role in ensuring the sports sector is on the path to a low-carbon future. In line with the recommendations of Olympic Agenda 2020+5, the QOC will aim to inspire its athletes, fans and all stakeholders to address climate change and take meaningful action towards climate neutrality.
The QOC’s commitment to the Sports for Climate Action Framework comes as Qatar stands at the forefront of change and is developing world-leading programmes and research to support the country’s transition from a carbon economy to a sustainable, climate-positive economy. The role of sport in stimulating innovation in this area has already been evidenced in Qatar’s preparations to host the first-ever carbon-neutral FIFA World Cup.
QOC President HE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad al-Thani said: “We are proud to sign up to the UNFCCC’s Sports for Climate Action initiative and to take another step forward in our commitment to minimising our overall climate impact. We are dedicated to ensuring that environmental sustainability is embedded within our organisation and reflected in everything that we do. But we know there is a lot more we can do and this framework will help establish a clear structure against which we can measure our progress.
“In Qatar we are fortunate to have access to world-leading innovations and research in this area. It is important that we leverage this at the QOC, but we must also use our platform to advocate for greater climate action and encourage others to promote greater environmental responsibility.”
In line with the five core principles enshrined in the Framework and the aims of the Paris Agreement, the QOC will strive to: 1) promote greater environmental responsibility; 2) reduce the overall climate impact from sports; 3) use our platform to educate for climate action; 4) promote sustainable and responsible consumption; and 5) advocate for climate action through our communications.
As a Sports for Climate Action signatory, the QOC will also report on progress with its commitments which will be supplied by the UNFCCC.
